Launching this newsletter with one hope: that it makes you feel a little more seen, a little more connected, and maybe even laugh-snort into your cold coffee.

Motherhood is a trip you don’t really get until you’re in it. The sleepless nights, the sticky hands, the “Mom! Mom! MOM!” soundtrack on repeat. But—why is it always the barking dog that sends me straight over the edge?

We’re all juggling the same puzzle: stretching childcare budgets, stretching our patience, and stretching our caffeine with six reheats. But we keep pouring—into our kids, into our work, into ourselves (when we can). This space is about pouring into each other too: swapping stories, sharing survival strategies, and reminding ourselves that we’re not alone in the chaos.

This doesn’t work unless our new-found community takes part. So, join all of us in submitting stories, recommendations, and swapping “I can’t believe this happened” moments.

Here’s to full cups, half-full wine glasses, and someday sharing both in person.

Cheers, Meg

This week’s highlight: I washed, dried AND folded the laundry in the same 24 hours. Didn’t put it away, but honestly, that feels like extra credit. We are in a season of living out of the hampers. (Can you say “newborn and toddler era”?)

→ Your turn: submit your “gold star” moment from the week. Yes, “I showered” absolutely counts.

This week: Hungry lady salads — Kat Ashmore’s filling and meal-preppable salads are a lifesaver for me. If you have older kids they might eat them too! No promises, though. *Special shoutout to the chicken cobb! 

Membership perks: dark circles, crying babies, and the most honest conversations of your life. I’ve found that when I’m awake with a baby in the middle of the night and responding to texts, more often than not my mom friends are also texting back. Makes me feel less alone in the darkness.

Bonus points: when you share funny stories and WTF moments. Yes, “my child pooped on the floor today” is included in our recents. S/O to the other potty training fams!

Got a late-night gem? Send it in — we’ll feature the best ones here, no judgment.

Fun and funky cross body* that is washable (or at least wipeable) and easy to throw on! Big enough to use as a diaper bag for two kids. This is my go-to with a newborn and a toddler! Was I brave enough to get the cutie cream color above? No. I got navy.

*Affiliate link! (I’ll only share products that I personally use or are highly recommended from our community!) Rest assured, this is not just random shit.

Places to go with or without the kids when the walls start to close in.

Family Fun — The new Prairie Castle at Daniel Stowe Conservancy opened over the weekend in Belmont.

Hidden gem: the Trailhead Store on their campus. Coffee, wine, and a quiet place to relax + answer emails. Fall out there is truly chef’s kiss. We even took our family photos here last year for our Christmas card!

Labor Day’s over, which means the only thing working harder than you is the laundry pile (see my “win” above…). Long weekends with kids aren’t “days off”—they’re just parenting with fewer breaks and stickier floors.

This week: Stretchy pants? Mandatory. Dinner? Order it. Medal for survival? Already in the mail.

Support the work to end gun violence with Everytown.

If you want to get involved, Moms Demand Action is a good bet. There are chapters in cities across the nation.

Honestly, this week my Google searches have a lot of “how to do something about gun violence in America” and “best places for ex pat families to land abroad.” The state of how we are living is fucked up. I don’t have answers.

Forward Half Full to a mom friend — because the only thing better than surviving the week is laughing about it together.

“See” you in your inbox in two weeks!